TVCOG News!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 21, 2022 

Media Contacts 

Tech Valley Center of Gravity: Michele Madigan 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (518) 244-3544 

Applications Now Open for Tech Valley Center of Gravity's Maker-In-Residence Program and the newly created Emerging Maker-In-Residence 

Troy, NY – Tech Valley Center of Gravity (TVCOG), the Capital Region’s premiere Makerspace, is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for this year’s Maker-In-Residence (MIR) program, and for our newly created Emerging Maker-In-Residence (EMIR) program. 

The EMIR offers a variety of complimentary classes and workshops to help you gain the experience and skills you need to become a Maker-In-Residence. The residency schedule and focus is the main difference between the EMIR and MIR residency programs. Instead of the first three months being spent on project construction, the EMIR will spend their first trimester doing training in the facility and shadowing the current MIR and current instructors. Once they are comfortable with the skills and knowledge required, they will be announced as our resident maker. The goal of this residency is to provide access to quality makerspace education, and to train the next generation of makers. 

For both programs successful applicants will have access to our membership of community makers, a TVCOG membership for one year, a $500 stipend, a project materials budget, storage space, and more. 

The Residencies offer a flexible opportunity for makers of any kind, and the exact experience will be tailored to fit the needs of the individual residents. In general, the programs are composed of three core elements: The Project, Community Engagement, and Long-term Maker Support. For the EMIR the components of our successful MIR program remain the same, but with an upfront focus on support, training, and skill building which will lead to the development of “The Project”. All resident makers are expected to fulfill “The Project" and “Community Engagement” components. 

Additional information about the MIR and the EMIR and the online applications can be found at www.tvcog.net/MIR. Applications for both programs are due by May 15, with the residencies expected to begin in June or July. 

“Tech Valley Center of Gravity is committed to our mission to serve as a community resource providing low-cost access to resources, equipment, education and space to the greater Capital Region” stated executive Director Michele Madigan, “our Residency programs allow us to provide unique support to local Makers while expanding the knowledge and services of the COG through skill sharing and community collaboration and we are excited to be offering our newly created EMIR program to expand the program and its reach.” 

Residency programs are made possible thanks to the New York State Council of the Arts, and is part of TVCOG's Community Access Programs, which supports mission-critical initiatives related to access, equity, education, and volunteership. 

Those interested in donating to the fund may do so by visiting: 

https://www.tvcog.net/donate 

About Tech Valley Center of Gravity 

Tech Valley Center of Gravity (TVCoG) is a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties by providing low-cost access to equipment, tools, technology and space, as well as business expertise, education and resources. The Manufacturing Incubator offers direct engineering consultation as well as coaching, advice, risk-mitigation strategies and need-based referrals for product development startups big and small. Ideal clients are developing a physical product and need assistance in prototype development, design for manufacturing, scaling up, or other related design and manufacturing problems. This is a certified NYS Incubator and affiliated Innovate 518 Hotspot partner supported by the Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2022

Media Contacts:

Michele Madigan, Tech Valley Center of Gravity
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    518.244.3544 (o)    

Tech Valley Center of Gravity Announces Hire of Michele Madigan

Troy, NY – Tech Valley Center of Gravity (TVCOG) announced today that Michele Madigan has been selected as their new Executive Director effective immediately. 

“With significant consideration given to the skills, experience, and expertise needed to successfully guide TVCOG in its next phase of growth, the Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michele to serve in this important leadership role,” stated Michael Lobsinger, Chairman of the Board and SVP with Center for Economic Growth (CEG).  “Michele is joining us after spending ten years serving as the Finance Commissioner for the city of Saratoga Springs. With her background in library sciences, vast experience in economic development and strategic planning, and passion for the maker movement, she brings a unique perspective and skill set to TVCOG.”

During her career in both the government and private sectors Madigan has worked with an eye toward innovation, leading on large projects such as installing citywide fiber in Saratoga Springs, project managing a 2.5MW solar array, upgrading city lighting with LEDs and connectivity, affordable housing projects and more. She has also collaborated on smart city initiatives to advance modernization efforts.  

“I am thrilled to join TVCOG and work closely with the membership to engage on a range of topics, work with the Board to grow the membership base, and offer quality STEAM programming for the youth in our region,” stated Madigan.  She also said she “looks forward to working with partners and affiliates within state and local government and the Capital Region area as TVCOG continues to grow and expand.”

About Tech Valley Center of Gravity 

Tech Valley Center of Gravity is a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties by providing low-cost access to equipment, tools, technology and space, as well as business expertise, education and resources.

The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity provides expert coaching and incubation across industries, advisory services and support for product-related startups. For members launching entrepreneurial ventures, we offer resources for product development through the Prototyping Center, with its advanced manufacturing equipment and flexible workspace. Find out more at www.tvcog.net.